Cost of Living in Pierce County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pierce County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pierce County ranks #1,263 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pierce County, Wisconsin
Pierce County balances premium costs with strong income
Pierce County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.8% ranks among Wisconsin's best despite the highest median household income in this cohort at $88,802, well above the national median of $74,755. This favorable ratio reflects Pierce's affluent profile where income growth outpaces housing-cost inflation.
Strong affordability in Wisconsin's affluent corridor
Pierce County ranks among Wisconsin's most affordable counties with a 13.8% rent-to-income ratio, achieved through the combination of median rent of $1,025 and exceptional household incomes. This affordability level serves the county's growing professional and affluent demographic.
Premium pricing aligned with premium incomes
Pierce County's $1,025 median rent and $308,600 median home value position it among the region's higher-cost markets, second only to Ozaukee County. However, with a median household income of $88,802, Pierce residents earn substantially more than most regional peers, justifying these elevated costs.
Higher housing costs supported by strong earnings
Pierce County residents dedicate 13.8% of income to rent and roughly 20% to ownership costs, the second-highest absolute housing expenses in this cohort. The $308,600 median home value and $1,480 monthly ownership cost reflect a county where growing professional incomes support premium housing investment.
Pierce County for upwardly mobile professionals
If you're earning a professional-class income and seeking suburban quality of life, Pierce County offers premium housing with excellent affordability ratios. Your income here supports meaningful home equity building while maintaining proportional housing affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pierce County
Affordability Verdict
Pierce County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,025/month representing approximately 13.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Pierce County pay $1,025/month on average, compared to $1,480/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 31%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $41,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $63,429/year. With a median household income of $88,802, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Pierce County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Pierce County sits 5% more expensive than Brown County ($973/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pierce County
Rent Burden
13.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,072
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.0%
of gross income
The median home in Pierce County may be a stretch
Median home value is $308,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,464 vs. your max of $2,072.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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